THE  DOVER WAR MEMORIAL  PROJECT

 

war memorial at dusk, photographed by Michelle Cooper


World War I

 

CASUALTIES ON THE MEMORIAL

Surnames G

Berks Cemetery Extension, memorial, by Simon Chambers

Gabbé, A. C. (E.?) G.
Albert Eber Gustav Gabbé, 12990, was born in Dover on 11 October 1891. His parents kept the Union Hotel in Dover for several years. He gave his occupation as former ACG Gabbe, courtesy Dover Expressfireman when he enlisted, and had worked at Messrs Friend and Co, who were continental parcels express agents. He had also been in the RFA (Territorials) in Dover for three and a half years.

He enlisted in the 5th battalion, the Saskatchewan Regiment of the Canadian Infantry on 24 September 1914, and became a Signaller (Private). Then he was given as being five feet eleven and a half inches tall, with light hair, blue eyes, and a scar on the centre back of his neck. He was in the first Contingent that came over from Canada, and he died on 30 August 1915. He is commemorated at the Berks Cemetery Extension in Belgium. 

His former employers, when they heard of his death, sent a letter to his mother, saying how much he had been appreciated by the firm.

Albert was the son of Frederic Henry Rudolphe and Anne Culmer Addis Gabbé (née Keene), and had a sister, Elisabeth, and a brother, Edwin, who served with the Dublin Fusiliers and with the Royal Marine Labour Corps.

After Mrs Gabbé's death, Mr Gabbé remarried, to her sister, Sarah Martha Keene. The couple had two more children, Edmund, born in 1916, and Charles Ernest Culmer Gabbé, who was born in Dover on 25 September 1900.  Charles was a Rifleman in the 1st battalion of the Rifle Brigade, and died on 12 June 1921. He is buried in the Ranikhet New Cemetery, India, plot B, row 11, grave 213, and commemorated on the Madras 1914-18 Memorial, Face 4.

*Gage, W. R.
Wilfred Roy Gage, T/2356, was a Private in the 5th battalion of The Buffs. He was born at St Margaret's, and enlisted and lived in Dover. He died on 7th January 1916, and is buried at the Amara War Cemetery, Iraq.

Mr G R Gage, of 17 Churchill Street requested that his name should be placed on the Memorial

for family ancestry, see Dave Dixon's Faded Genes. Private Gage was a first cousin to Walter James Gage, on the East Langdon memorial

Leonard Gale's home, by Simon Chambers

Gale, L. F.
Leonard Frank Gale, J/8830, was the son of George, in 1901 a bricklayer's labourer, and Annie Gale, born on 28 September 1892 at Dorking, Surrey. In 1901 the family, with two more sons, Albert and Edward, were living at 25 Meadow Brook Road, Dorking.

He was the husband of Nellie Rosina Gale of 13, De Burgh Street, Dover (pictured), whom he had married in 1918  in Dover, and the father of a little son, Frank. Mrs Gale is believed to be the widow of Samuel Dresser Dicks.

Leonard was 5 feet 6 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes. He had worked as a labourer before joining the Navy at Portsmouth. Serving as an Able Seaman with the submarine depot ship HMS Lucia in 1918, Leonard was acting as a watchman on one of the submarines in dry dock at Smith's Dock, South Bank, Teesside in the early hours of New Year's Day 1919. At about 2.45 one of the men sleeping below was woken by a thud and cry for help, and upon investigation discovered AB Gale at the bottom of the dock. AB Gale stated that he was "all smashed up". He had fractured the base of his skull and sustained compound fractures of the right side of his jaw and his right femur. He was removed to Cleveland House Hospital, and there died two days later from compression to the brain. He was aged 26.

An inquest was held, where the question was considered of whether a plank had slipped and tipped AB Gale into the dock. The Commander stated that he felt it was quite safe, and a verdict of accidental death was returned.

AB Gale is buried at Charlton cemetery, Dover, Kent, grave reference YS9.

In Ever Loving Memory
of
My dear husband
Leonard Frank Gale
Who died 3rd January 1919
From the result of an accident
Aged 26 years.
Thy will be done.

 

the gravestone is now laid flat
picture by John Fagg

I

in memoriam announcement, courtesy Dover Express
January 1941

In ever loving memory of my dear husband and my father, Leonard Frank Gale, who passed away January 3rd 1919.
He never failed to do his best,
His heart was true and tender,
He worked so hard for those he loved,
Then left us to remember.
From his loving Wife and son Frank

FRG Gandy, courtesy Dover ExpressGandy, F. R. G.
Frank Reginald George Gandy, 7137, was a Private in the 1st/19th (County of London) battalion (St Pancras) of the London Regiment. He was formerly 2888 of the 4th Buffs, having enlisted in Dover on 15th November 1914, and been transferred to the London Regiment on 31st August 1916. He died on 1st October 1916, at the age of 19, and is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France.

He was born and lived in Dover, the son of Ernest and Emilie Gandy. He was the uncle of Doris Buddle, his sister Doris Margaret having become Mrs Buddle's mother. In 1901 the family were living at The British Queen, at 76 Biggin Street, where Mr Gandy was the licensed victualler between 1901 and 1903. Living with them were their children Ernest John, 9, Doris Margaret, 5, Frank Reginald George, 3, and Horace Herbert Victor, 2. By 1911 Mr Gandy had become a carman to a wholesale grocer, and his son Ernest, then 19, a fireman on a crane. The family had been joined by Albert Edward, then 9, Victoria Beatrice Q, 5, and Maggie May, 3. They were living at 19 Queens Gardens, Dover, where they were living when Frank was killed.

Mrs C Gandy, of Danes Cottage, requested that his name should be placed on the Memorial.

"Not gone from memory, not gone from love,
But gone to his Father's home above."

Note: Ernest Gandy may have been one of the original anti-aircraft volunteers in 1914

EW Gatehouse, grave, by Simon ChambersGatehouse, E. W.
Edward William Gatehouse, SS/103285, was a 1st class Stoker in the Royal Navy. His CWGC records state that he was on the H.M.S. "Blonde", but he served a further two months ashore ("Pembroke II") before he was invalided from the Navy because of tuberculosis.

After an illness lasting ten months, he died on 11th September 1916, aged 28, at his parents' home, and is buried at Charlton cemetery, Dover in the United Kingdom. The coastal railway line was inoperative, owing  to a landslip at the Warren and the storage of munitions in the Shakespeare tunnel, and so Edward's father was forced to row to Dover to fetch the coffin, and then return it with his son's body in the same way for burial.

He had joined the Navy ten years before, in July 1906, when he served aboard the "Acheron". He was clearly quite a character, as his records note an occasion when he refused duty in 1908, and also underwent the unfortunate experience of two short periods in the cells in 1909 and 1910. (more)

He was the son of Mr and Mrs C Gatehouse, of Shakespeare Colliery, Dover, and cousin to William, below. He was buried on 16th September, ZN 1, and is next to Percy Maxted, another WWI casualty.

The tombstone reads:

In Loving Memory
of
Edward W. Gatehouse
died 11th September 1916
aged 28 years
"Thy Will be Done"
also of
Daisy Amelia
sister of the above
 
the beloved wife of George McLelland
who died April 6th 1917
aged 26 years
"Gone but not Forgotten"

 

The stone book beneath reads:

in
loving memory
of
Charles James Gatehouse
father of the above
who died 30th September 1951
aged 89 years
 

 

also
of his wife
Elizabeth Mary
mother of the above
who died 18th August 1957
aged 94 years.

with thanks to Jacky Hartley

William Gatehouse, courtesy Sue VerrillGatehouse, W. J.
William James Gatehouse, 16618?DA,born 10 December 1878, was a Elizabeth Gatehouse, nee Easton, courtesy Sue Verrilldeckhand in the Royal Naval Reserve. He served aboard HM Trawler "King's Grey". He died when he was 39, on 26th September 1918. He is also named on the Trawlers' and Mine-Sweepers' Memorial, now held at Dover Museum.

He was the husband of Mrs Emily M Gatehouse, of 14 Lowther Road, Tower Hamlets, Dover.

He was the son of William Gatehouse (born 26 August 1843) and Elizabeth Ann Harry, son of William, courtesy Sue VerrillGatehouse (née Easton) (believed as pictured right, above). William senior was in 1881 a ship fireman, and there were then two children, William, aged 4, and Eileen/Ellen, aged 1. The family were living at 28 Oxenden Street. In 1911 they were living at 2 Winchelsea Terrace, where Mr Gatehouse, 67, was a retired mariner and his wife, Elizabeth, 55, was working as a charwoman. William was a dredgerman, while his sister Alice was a dyers' assistant at Scott's the Dyers, and his two younger sisters, Annie and Minnie, were domestics.

He and Edward Gatehouse, above, were cousins, and he had an only son, Harry (pictured right, with his Aunt Grace), who laid a wreath at the Town Memorial when it was unveiled in 1924. William's Aunt Nell also laid a wreath; "to my dear nephew".

Williams's tombstone is now laid flat. It reads::

W Gatehouse, gravestone, by Simon Chambers In
Loving Remembrance of
My Dear Husband
William James Gatehouse
who was Killed at Sea 26th September 1918
aged 41 years


Rough Billows Crossed, Ye Now Have Reached the Haven
That Ye Desired with Straining Eyes to See.
Your Last Sweet Words are on our Hearts Engraven
And When Shall We Gain Your Perfect Victory?

William's grave is near the Zeebrugge plot, in St James cemetery.

W Gatehouse, area where grave is situated, by Simon Chambers

In September 1940, his son Harry placed this In Memoriam announcement below:

In ever loving memory of William James Gatehouse, who died on September 26th 1918 on HMAT "King's Gray". From his son Harry.

on trawler memorial, by Simon Chamberswith thanks to Jacky Hartley
with thanks to Sue Verrill
William James Gatehouse is a first cousin at twice removal to Maggie S-K.

(right) William Gatehouse is remembered on the Trawler and Minesweepers' memorial, kept by the Dover Museum

Gates, H.
Horace John Gates was in the office of Leney's, in the mineral water department, before enlisting, and also on  the committee of the Dover Rifle Club. When he joined the Royal East Kent Yeomanry at the beginning of the war, he was said to have been the best shot in his squadron. He served in the Dardanelles and in Egypt. He was a second Lieutenant (temporary), having gained his commission in the West India Regiment, and later in the Royal Flying Corps, where he served in the 16th Wing.  He died on 19th November 1917, and is buried at the Struma Military Cemetery in Greece.

His parents were Captain William Henry and Norah Amy Gates, from 197 Folkestone Road, Dover. Captain Gates was in the SECR Marine Service, and was commanding the vessel "Queen" when the enemy captured and destroyed it in 1916. 

1918 - In loving memory of my brother, Second Lieut H J Gates, RFC, who was killed while flying in the air at Salonica on November 20th 1917. Loved by all who knew him. From his loving sister Alice (Exeter)

Gates, T. J. G.
Thomas James George Gates, London Z/7117, was in the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve, serving as a Telegraphist aboard the submarine HM P36. He died from pneumonia on 10th October 1918, when he was 20, and is buried at the Haslar Naval Cemetery, Hampshire, UK (now Clayhall Cemetery, Clayhall Road), 33.8. All the officers from his ship and more than 120 men attended his funeral, with 24 of his messmates drawing the gun carriage bearing his remains.

Born on 9 October 1898, he was the son of James Thomas and Caroline Frances Gates, from 58 Nightingale Road, Dover. In 1901 they were living at 2 New Cottages, at the rear of Priory Road, Tunbridge Wells, when Mr Gates was working as a printers' compositor. Thomas' parents were amongst the many mourners at his funeral.

The words on his headstone say, "In loving memory of our dear son, Thomas James George Gates, who passed away October 10th 1918, aged 20 years. Late Telegraphist HMS P36. "Till we meet again"".

FJP Geard, courtesy Dover ExpressGeard, F. J. P.
Fredrick John Parsons Geard was a corporal in the Royal Flying Corps.  Educated in Herne Bay, he had enlisted in the Royal Engineers in 1910, joining the Balloon Section in 1911. He was appointed airman rigger in 1911, and in 1912 transferred to the Royal Flying Corps. He was killed on 18th August 1914, at Peronne, France, where he is now buried, when his plane crashed. The plane had a faulty control and fell from a height of 60 feet while returning from a reconnaissance flight. He was 22.  The Pilot, Lieutenant Smith-Barry, survived, and returned home with a broken left leg and right knee-cap.

Corporal Geard was the second son of John, a stonemason, and Amelia Emily Geard, of 36 Lascelles Road (formerly at number 45), Maxton, Dover. He was born at Mottingham, near Eltham, Kent, on 1 September 1892, and brothers were Wilf and Jack. His grandfather was William Parsons, of Chislehurst.

His nephew, also Frederick, was lost at sea on 3rd August 1940.

Gibbons, R. G.
Richard George Edward Gibbons  was a Carpenter, given as Petty Officer 1, aboard HM Yacht James Fletcher, serving in the Mercantile Marine Reserve. He died suddenly from pneumonia on 2nd November 1918, when he was 39. He was buried at St James (TI13) Cemetery in Dover with full naval honours, and officers and men from the Drifter Patrol followed.. 

He was the husband of Emmeline Annie Gibbons, of 10 Guilford Lawn, Dover, and formerly from 22 Charlton Avenue, Dover, and father to George Wallace Gibbons, baptised at St James on 31 October 1917. . The couple had married on 30 August 1915; Mrs Gibbons was then living at 4 Guilford Lawn and was the daughter of Jesse James Valentine, a gardener, while PO Gibbons was at number 10, the son of Richard, a carpenter, deceased.  

*Gibbs, P.
Percy Gibbs. Identification is as yet uncertain. There is Percy Gibbs, who in 1901 was living in Sheerness, having been born in Dover. He was the son of Sarah Gibbs, who was born in Middlesex, and was then aged 14.

A Percy Gibbs was also a casualty of the Great War. As G/22590 Private in The Buffs, he served in the 8th battalion and died on 10th August 1917. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial in Belgium. He was born at Penge, enlisted in Staines, and lived in Ashford, Middlesex. 

This may also have been Archibald Percy Randolph Gibbs, 9992. He was a Lance Corporal in the King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). He was 26 when he died on 26 August 1914. He is commemorated on La Ferte Sous Jouarre memorial, France. His parents were Ambrose James and Julia Gibbs, from Church View, Great Comberton, Worcestershire.

Percy was the first bellringer to have died in the war, and had become a member of the Kent County Association of Bellringers just over a year before, having joined on 2 April 1913. He rang several peals in Kent, and was probably a member of the band of bellringers at Dover. He rang a peal at St James on 7 April 1913, taking the no 5 bell. These bells, in a church destroyed by enemy action in WWII, were of steel and difficult to ring owing to there being no rope guides. The peal was 5040 changes, taking three hours and 15 minutes. Percy also rang for the wedding of bellringer Harold Arthur Roberts to Ethel Harmer at St Mary's on 9 July 1913, completing in the evening on no 7 a peal of bob major of 5040 changes. The groom had been a St Mary's ringer for many years

Percy Gibbs was remembered on the spoken Roll of Honour for casualties at a service held at St Mary's, Cannon Street, on the first anniversary of the entry of Britain into the Great War, 4 August 1914, and again on 4 November 1916..

Bellringing information from research by Hazel Basford, Librarian, Kent County Association of Change Ringers. More about A P R Gibbs in the war is here (then click World War I records on left hand frame). Further bellringing research by M S-K

Gilham, A. E.
Albert Edward Gilham was in the Mercantile Marine, working for the SECR as a Telegraph Boy 1 He was aboard the S.S. "Achille Adam" (London), when it was sunk by an attack from an enemy submarine on 23/24 March 1917. He died from exposure. He is commemorated on the Tower Hill memorial, London, the United Kingdom.

He was the son of Annie Elizabeth Gilham, of 4 Wood Street, Dover, and the late George James Gilham. Shortly after Bertie was lost, Mrs Gilham remarried to become Mrs Edward Cooper. .

The "In Memoriam" announcement reads:

"Gilham - In fond and loving memory of a dearly beloved son, who perished at sea, March 23rd, 1917, Albert Edward Gilham, aged 15 years and 11 months, son of Mrs Gilham, of 4 Wood Street, Dover, and the late George Gilham, of 56 Union Road.

Dearest Bertie, how we miss you
When we sit and think of thee,
It is so hard to think you are sleeping
At the bottom of the sea.

                                       Mother, brothers, and sister Nancy"

1925 - In loving memory of Albert Edward (Bert) lost at sea with the Achille Adam, March 3rd 1917. Also William George, who died February 19th 1919, dearly loved sons of Mrs Cooper (Hull). Though time may change things, love and memory ever clings. From Mother, Dad, Sisters and Brother

Note: William George Gilham lived at 186 Union Road, and was 34 when he died. He had been employed at the Gas Works. He is buried at Charlton. Mrs Gilham lived at 19 Sovereign Place, William Street, Hull in November 1924

(article)
1 occupation supplied by Gina
Baines

TH Gill, courtesy Dover ExpressGill, T. H.
Thomas Henry Gill, K/25136, HMS "Derwent", Royal Navy. He was drowned off the French coast after a mine explosion in the English Channel on 2nd May 1917. His mother was informed of his death; she was then living at 142 Union Road, Dover. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial..

He was 23 and the eldest son of Henry A. and Emma Gill, of 32 Union Road, Dover, born on 14 April 1894 at 8 Colbran Street, Charlton, Dover. In 1901 the family were living at 6 Alpine Cottages, Union Road, Dover, when Mr Gill was working as a builder's carman. At home as well as Thomas were daughters Emma Mary, 9, Annie Sophie, 4, and Rosie Emily, 1. By 1911 they had been joined by Henry Albert, then 10, Ellen Laura, 7, Charlie Arthur, 5, William Daniel, 4, Noel John, 1. Apart from Emma Mary, who was born in Rotherhithe like her mother, the children were all born in Dover like their father.

1st class Stoker Harry Lawson,
married Annie Gill, who lived at 160 Union Road
Leading Stoker George Bilton,
married Emma Gill, who lived at 132 Union Road

"Not just today, but every day, in silence we remember - Father, Mother, Sisters and Brothers"
"In loving memory of our dear brother ... Always remembered - Sisters Alice, Nell and Emma"
In memoriam announcements, May 1940

Gillham, F. H.
Frederick Horace Gillham, M/4581, was born in Dover on 21 March 1894, and became a Sick Berth Attendant, 1st Class, in the Royal Navy. Aged 21, he was serving aboard the HMS Lion when he was killed during the battle of Jutland, on 31 May 1915. He is commemorated on the Chatham Naval memorial in the United Kingdom.

His parents were William and Jane Gillham, of 162 Union Road, Buckland, Dover, formerly from 43 Primrose Road and 27 Lea Villas, Primrose Road, Buckland, Dover. In 1901 the family were living at Laburnam Cottage, Buckland, Dover, and William Gillham was occupied as a Bell Diver with the Harbour Works. He too was born in Dover, as was Frederick's younger sister Jane. Their elder brother William was born in Greenwich, like their mother.

Glayzer, F. 
Frank Glayzer, L/11072 was a Private in the 6th battalion of The Buffs. He was 19 when he was killed in action on 27th August 1918, and is buried at the Meaulte Military cemetery in France. 

Born in Rochester, Kent, he was the son of Mr P F and Mrs C Glayzer, from 15 Winchelsea Terrace, Dover. He lived in that town but enlisted in Canterbury.

Gleeson, A.  
Augustus (Augustine) Gleeson, L/11429, was a Private in the 10th battalion of the Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment, formerly S/26733, the Army Service Corps). He died on 7th June 1917, and is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial in Belgium.

He was born in Brighton, and enlisted and lived in Dover. 

*Godden. A.  
Albert Godden. There was an Albert Godden living in River, Dover, listed in the 1901 census. He was born in Dover and was then 9 years of age. His parents were J and Jane Godden.

Godden, H. 
H. Godden

Godden, S. T.  
Stephen Thomas Godden, 208179, was a Gunner in "B" battery of the 74th brigade of the Royal Field Artillery. He died from wounds on 23rd October 1918, when he was 40. He is buried at the Mount Huon Military Cemetery, Le Treport in France.

He enlisted in Horley in Surrey and lived at Smallfields, in Surrey. His mother was Eliza Godden, from 18 Park Street Dover, where he had been a member of Corinthian Lodge no 1208, initiated on 15 May 1905, and his wife was Florence Godden, from 57 Montern Road, Forest Hill, London.  He had previously been employed as a storekeeper for P&O.

His son, Sub-Lieutenant Stephen Anthony Golder Godden died aged 25 in World War II, on 20th July 1941. Attached to HM Submarine Empire, he had been awarded the DSC. He is buried at Mundesley (All Saints) churchyard.

Godfrey, C. W.  
Charles Godfrey, around 1900, courtesy Mike GodfreyCharles William Godfrey, 119576, was a Gunner in the 288th Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery. He was killed by a fragment of shell on 20th June 1917. He was 32, and is buried in the Maple Leaf Cemetery in Belgium.

Mr and Mrs H Godfrey, of Cowgate Hill Cemetery, Dover, were his parents; his father was a gardener/sexton at Cowgate Cemetery and later at St Mary's and St James cemetery, living in St Mary's Cemetery Lodge House. Charles was their Charles Godfrey and family, courtesy Mike Godfreyonly son, born in Dover.

He lived in Margate, and left a wife, Edith K. Godfrey and small child, whose address was later at 6 Empire Terrace, College Road, Margate.

Photos: above, circa 1900, Charles Godfrey
left,  circa 1907. (rear) - Charles Godfrey, unknown, Ada, Henry Godfrey (his father)
(fore) unknown, unknown, Mary Ann ("Polly") (his mother)

with thanks to Mike Godfrey

The headstone is at St James, and reads:

gravestone, by Joyce Banks In Loving Memory
of
A dear husband,
Henry Godfrey
Who entered into rest
15th January 1920.
Aged 67.
"Until the day breaks"
Also of Charles William.
Only son of the above,
and dearly loved husband of
Edith Kate Godfrey,
who was killed in action in Belgium
1st June 1917, aged 32 years.
Also of
Mary Ann Godfrey
Died 17th April 1941.
Aged 83 years.

 

photo and transcription
Joyce Banks

AH Golder, courtesy Dover ExpressGolder, A. H. 
Albert Henry Golder, 23250. Before enlisting he worked for many years for the Anglo-American Oil company. Living at Buckland, Dover, he enlisted in Canterbury and became a Private in the 12th Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment. He was killed in action on 27th May 1918. He is buried at the Brandhoek New Military Cemetery, in Belgium.

He was the son of J W Golder, of Ripple, Dover, and the husband of M M Golder, of 49 Lowther Road, Dover.

His wife and father also lived at Primrose Cottage, 36 Union Road. His brother, E. Golder, also served; his wife and children lived at Ash, near Aldershot.

Goldfinch, E. T.  
Edward Thomas Goldfinch, 27376, was a Guardsman in the 4th battalion of the Grenadier Guards. He was 28 when he died from wounds on 13th October 1917. He is commemorated on the Tyne Cot memorial in Belgium. 

He was the only son of Thomas Edward and Elizabeth Hammond Goldfinch, from 11 Kearsney Avenue, River, Dover, and he was born at Alkham.

His commanding officer spoke of him as "a brave and capable soldier".

photo Jean Marsh

Goldfinch, P.  
P Goldfinch, gravestone
Philip Goldfinch, S4/091033, died from pneumonia on 27th November 1915, when he was 23. He had been acting as a Corporal in the Royal Army Service Corps, in the 63rd Field Bakery. He is buried at Charlton, Dover in the United Kingdom.

He was the son of Walter Pascall Goldfinch from Dover and Aurea (nee Webb), from Barham. Philip was born in Charlton, Dover. He enlisted in Dover and lived in Shepherdswell.

The headstone at Charlton reads:

Sacred to the Memory
of
Our Dear Son
Corporal Philip Goldfinch, ASC
who died while serving his country in Scotland
Nov 29th 1915, aged 23 years
Will Never Be Forgotten by his Father Mother Brothers & Sisters
Sleep On Dear One

Also Sergt A. Garroway 1st Scots Guards
Killed in Action in France
May 9th 1915, aged 30 years
Gone but Not Forgotten

Thank you to Dave Dixon (of www fadedgenes.co.uk) for the information that Walter and Aurea Goldfinch were the grandparents of William Lacey Goldfinch, who became a WWII casualty in 1944, and that Philip was therefore William's uncle.  

Goldsack, E. J.  
Edward John Goldsack, G/39959, was a Private in the 7th battalion of the Queen's Royal West Surrey Regiment. He was 29 when he was reported as missing, and later killed, on 10 August 1917. He is commemorated on the Menin Gate memorial in Belgium.

He was the son of Henry George and Ellen Goldsack, from 125 Heathfield Avenue, Dover, born in Dover. The family lived at 18 Park Road in 1901, with Mr Goldsack working as a general labourer. At home then were eight children; William, 13, Edward, 12, Ellen, 10, Florence, 7, Leonard, 5, Frank, 3, Ada, 1, and baby Ernest. By 1911 the family had been joined by three more children; Albert, Richard, and Elsie, and had moved to Heathfield Avenue. Edward was then working as a grocer's porter. Mr Goldsack was employed by the Dover Gas Company as a labourer.

Edward enlisted and lived in Dover, and was the husband of May Beatrice Geary (formerly Goldsack, née Claw, the daughter of William Stephen Claw) from 59 High Street, Dover. The couple married on 24 March 1912 at St Andrew's church, Buckland, when Edward was working as a warehouseman, giving their address as 37 Randolph Road. They had a son, Ernest, in 1913, and a daughter, May, in 1917.

In memoriam, courtesy Dover Express

In ever loving memory of our dear sons, Leonard George, who died August 18th 1916' also Edward John, killed in action August 10th 1917. Never forgotten - from their loving Father, Mother, Brothers and Sisters
August 1940

Mrs May Goldsack remarried on 9 April 1919 at Charlton Church to Charles Geary, a widower. He was a petty officer in the Royal Navy. The couple had two children, Charles in 1919 and Kathleen in 1922. Mr Geary died suddenly at 41 George Street, Dover, on 17 February 1930 in Dover.

Miss May ("Maizie") Goldsack married David Henry Sumner on 27 December 1927 at St George's Church, Ramsgate.

photo of detail from the Menin Gate by Jean Marsh

Goldsmith, H. 
Harry Goldsmith is commemorated on the Chatham Naval Memorial

Two In Memoriam announcements from January 1940, for Harry Goldsmith:

In loving memory of Harry - never forgotten by his loving Mother

In fond remembrance of our dear and only brother Harry (Son) - always remembered by his loving Sisters.

For more about Harry, see (We Remember 06) and his (Memorial)

Goldstraw, G. P.
Gerald Parker Goldstraw, 19483, was the only son of the Rev and Mrs W W Goldstraw. He was born at Pembroke Dock. He had been educated at Nantwich Grammar School, and had then become a bank clerk at Deal. He lived in Dover. He enlisted in Plymouth (Soldiers Died says Portsmouth) in September 1915, serving in the Royal Fusiliers, 26th battalion. Two days after his twenty first birthday, in May 1916, after finishing his training, he went to the Front.  There he served in the trenches, going over the parapet a number of times to fix barbed wire, and in September 1916 he went into action. He was killed in an advance on 7th October. 

A comrade who was at his side and sent the news of his death, wrote, "He was buried at night on the field of honour, on the spot where he was hit. He was most popular with us all, being very unselfish, and I am sure he is now resting in the peace of God, being released from the severe struggles we have lately been through."

Gerald is commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial in France, and a memorial service was held for him on 12th November 1916 in the London Road Primitive Methodist Church. It was full with worshippers, expressing their sympathy and showing respect to his memory. The Communion Table was decorated with white flowers, placed around the Roll of Honour on which Gerald's name was inscribed.

The service was taken by the Rev Holyoak, after the Rev A G Gray of the Royal Flying Corps, had an accident which rendered him unable to do so. The sermon was based on Revelations iii, vs10, "Because thou didst keep the word of My patience, I will also keep thee". There were passages from the Scriptures, some words from the order for the Burial of the Dead, and a number of hymns: "O God Our Help in Ages Past", "There Is No Night in Heaven" "Lo! Round the Throne at God's Right Hand" "Christ Will Gather in His Own" and "For All the Saints Who From Their Labours Rest".

Many people had kind words to speak about Gerald. The Primitive Methodist Chaplain at Aldershot said he was "always so kindly, so straight, so friendly, so generous". The Manager of the National Provincial Bank at Deal said, "He was a lad of whom any father might have been proud. Had he lived he would have risen high in the Bank's service". His friend, with him when he died, wrote, "Gerald had made the supreme sacrifice which so many fine lads of our glorious battalion have made, and I am quite certain none bore his pain and died more cheerfully than he."

see also The Primitive Methodist Church memorial

Goodburn, E. C. 
Edward Charles Goodburn, G/15415, was a Private in the 12th battalion of the Royal Sussex regiment. He was born in Dover and enlisted in Grimsby, and was part of the British Expeditionary Force.

He died on 15th October 1916, and is commemorated on the Thiepval memorial in France.

Goodwin, F. G. 
Frederick George Goodwin, TF/260089, was a Lance Corporal in "A" company of the 9th battalion of the Royal Sussex Regiment. He enlisted in Dover. He became part of the British Expeditionary Force, and was killed in action (Soldiers Died says died of wounds) on 1st June 1918, when he was 29. He is buried at the Pernes British Cemetery in France.

He was the son of Henry Holtum Goodwin, a master baker, and Clara Eliza Goodwin, and brother of Beatrice Goodwin. In 1901 the family were living at 3 East Street, Dover, and with them were other daughters Ellen Eliza, 23, a baker, and Winifred, then 8. Also there were other sons Herbert, 21, a bread maker, Sidney, 17, Walter, 15. The whole family was born in Dover. The family ran the Tower Hamlets bakery, and in 1911 the three youngest children, who were still at home, Beatrice, Frederick, and Winifred, were all helpers in the bakery, as was their mother. In 1904 both Frederick and Beatrice obtained first class certificates in model drawing at the Dover School of Art and Science and Secondary School (of which the headmaster was Mr East).

Mr Goodwin died on 27 June 1916 at 3 East Street after a lengthy illness. He is buried at Charlton.

Caterpillar Valley entrance, by Andy and Michelle CooperGould, R. 
Reuben R Gould, grave, by Michelle and Andy Cooper (one record gives "Robert") Gould, L/7328, was a Lance Corporal in the 1st battalion, Queen's Own (Royal West Kent) Regiment. He was 35 when he was killed in action on 22 July 1916. He is buried at Caterpillar Valley in France, XIV F 2. the inscription at the bottom of his headstone reads, "Gone but not forgotten". His grave is to the left of the entrance.

Born in Bethnal Green and enlisting in Middlesex, he married in 1909 in Dover Christine Eleanor Irons, born on 24 December 1884. In 1911 Mrs Gould was with her mother at 5 Woolcomber Street with her son, born in 1909, Robert Sidney. It is recorded that the couple had also lost a baby. Mr and Mrs Gould had a daughter on 20 July 1912, Doris Mabel, and another son in 1915, Thomas ("Tommy") William Gould. Mrs Gould later lived at 6 Woolcomber Lane.

In 1918 Mrs Gould married Henry Edward Cheeseman, Petty Officer of the Royal Navy. They had four sons, Henry E in 1919, Lewis A in 1920, Bernard George Cheeseman on 17 March 1921, and Reginald James in 1924, who died on 5 May 1927. In 1934 the family were at 6 Douglas Road. Mr Cheeseman died in 1963, aged 70. Mrs Cheeseman died in 1960.

Grace, W. H. 
William Henry Grace, 2902, served as a Private in the Australian Infantry, 47th battalion. He was 28 when he died on 13th April 1917, and is buried at Achiet Le Grand Communal Cemetery Extension, France.

He was the son of Tom and Fanny Grace, and the husband of Stella Mary Grace, of "Sunnyside", Stalworth, Queensland. 

Grant, F. 
Frederick Grant, 1213 (138293) was in the 123rd battalion of the Canadian Pioneers. He was born in Banff, Scotland, on 30th June 1880, and had lived in Dover for 20 years before leaving for Canada. He was five feet six and a half inches tall, with light brown hair and blue eyes. He was a carpenter who had served for two years in the Garrison artillery, and when he enlisted on 17th August 1915 was 32 years and two months old.

He died on 18th June 1917, and is buried at Ecoivres Military Cemetery, Mont-St Eloi in France.  His wife, Sarah Margaret Grant, lived at 300 Harvie Avenue, Earlscourt Toronto. A M Grant of 5 Castle Avenue, Dover, asked for his name to be placed on the memorial.

Grant, H. A. 
Henry/Harry Alfred Grant, 33006, was in the 1st battalion of the Norfolk Regiment, serving as a Private. He had enlisted in Putney, Surrey. He was killed in action on 26th April 1918, when he was 31, and is buried at the Tannay British cemetery, Thiennes in France.

Born in Dover, he was the son of Henry and Susan Jane Grant of Dover.

Graves, F. G. 
Francis George Graves served as a Second Lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters (Notts and Derby Regiment). He was in the 4th battalion, attached to the 16th battalion.

He was killed in action on 20th September 1917, and is commemorated on the Tyne Cot Memorial in Belgium.

His parents were William Henry Graves and Mary Edith (nee Norris), who married in Dover in 1889. Francis, their fifth child, was born on 14 July 1895, and had three (possibly four) sisters, Hilda, Florence, and Irene, and two brothers, William and Albert. William Henry Graves was a Draper's Manager, son of William Graves, a Draper, and the family, employing between ten and thirteen staff, lived at 132 Snargate Street for over 40 years.

with thanks to Chris Graves

Graves, H. K.
Henry Knott Graves, 14546, enlisted in Dover and was an acting Farrier Serjeant in the 88th Field Company of the Royal Engineers. Born at Lydden, Dover, in 1888 to William John and Hannah Brown Knott, and a brother to Jack Graves, he married Elsie Miriam Henson on 3 July 1915 at Holy Trinity, Dover. He was then living at Pioneer Road, and she at 69 Snargate Street.

In 1911 his parents recorded Harry as a telegraphist in the Royal Engineers. His own census entry shows him as being in the 4th Division of the Royal Engineers Tel Company, a driver and having the trade "mounted". The Division were then in South Africa.

He died from pneumonia on 13 October 1918, and is buried at the Basra War Cemetery in Iraq.

 
There is one thing death cannot sever
Love and remembrance last forever.
Peace, perfect peace.
Never forgotten by his ever loving mother, brothers, and sisters

above - In memoriam November 1918
right - In memoriam October 1919

with thanks to Chris Graves

Gray, H. 
Hewitt Gray, 593168, was born in Hythe, and he lived and enlisted in Dover as 146 in the 4th battalion of The Buffs. He became a Sergeant in the London Regiment (18th County of London) battalion (London Irish Rifles).

He died on 6th December 1917, and is buried in the Westoutre British Cemetery in Belgium.

Green, H. D. 
Herbert David Green, L/11377, was a Private in the Queen's (Royal West Surrey Regiment). He served in the 1st battalion. Formerly he was T/30700 in the Army Service Corps. He was killed in action on St George's Day, 1917, and is commemorated on the Arras Memorial in France.

He was born in Chesterfield, Kent, and lived and enlisted in Dover.

RW Green, courtesy Dover ExpressGreen, R. W.
Richard William Green, 31249, worked at Messrs Richard Dickeson and Co before enlisting in Folkestone to serve as a Private in the 50th Co of the Machine Gun Corps (Infantry) (formerly as G/8525 of The Buffs). He died of wounds on 13th November 1916. He is buried at the St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen in France.

He was born in Dover and lived at Shorncliffe, Folkestone. His father was the late Sergeant C Green of MMP, and his mother, Mrs Green, lived at 19 Trevanion Street, Dover

In loving memory of my dear son, Richard William Green (Dick), who died of wounds received in action on November 13th, 1915. Sadly missed by his loving Mother and Sisters Kate, Lill, and Mary.

His life for his country, his soul to God. Peace, perfect peace. 

Gregory, A. F.  
Alfred Frederick Gregory, 358468, was a Gunner in the 352nd Siege Battery of the Royal Garrison Artillery Kent (RGA (TF)). Before enlisting in April 1916, he had worked for eight years at Messrs Wyborn Bros, butchers, from Worthington Street and Temple Ewell, after being educated at St Bart's. He was killed in action on 3rd June 1917, aged 23. He is buried in the Pont de Nieppe Communal Cemetery, France. 

Born and enlisting in Dover, he was the son of Walter and Caroline Gregory, from 18 Widred Road, Dover. Mr Gregory was a plasterer and builder.They had four more sons serving, and at least two daughters, Ethel and Mabel. One of Alfred's brothers, Arthur, married Dorothy Rodgers in 1920.

Griffiths, J. T.  
James Thomas Griffiths, 593368, was a Rifleman in the London Regiment, in the 18th (County of London) battalion (London Irish Rifles) (formerly 4185 the 4th battalion The Buffs). He was killed in action on 21st March 1918. He is commemorated on the Arras Memorial in France.

Born in Cardiff, he lived in Dover but enlisted in Canterbury.

Griffiths, T. 
Thomas Griffiths, 873ES, was a first engineer from the Royal Naval Reserve, aboard the HM Trawler "Flicker". He died on 4 March 1916, and is commemorated on the Plymouth Naval Memorial in the United Kingdom.

He was born on 26 April 1876 at Swansea. He left a wife, who was at 16 Victoria Street, Fleetwood, when she was informed of his death. In 1901 Thomas married Hilda Bessie White in Dover; she had been born in Dublin. At the time of the census they were visitors at 114 Snargate Street, with Thomas working as a ship's engineer.

1925 - In ever loving memory of my dear husband and our dear father, Thomas Griffiths, who was lost at sea, 4th March 1916. "The cup was bitter, the sting severe, To part with one we loved so dear. The trial was hard - we'll not complain, But trust in Christ to meet again. Not gone from memory, not gone from love, But gone to his Father's home above. From his loving wife and daughters." 

Grigson, A. H.   
Alfred H. Grigson, 5717, was a Private in the 11th (Prince Albert's Own) Hussars of the Household Cavalry and Cavalry of the Line (including Yeomanry and Imperial Camel Corps). He died of wounds on 14th May 1915, and is buried at the Bailleul Communal Cemetery Extension (Nord) in France. 

He was born in Ipswich and enlisted and lived in Dover. The 1901 census gives him as born in Bury St Edmonds, living at 59 Peter Street, and then 10 years old. His parents were William and Jane Grigson. 

*Grigson, W. E.  
Walter Edward (Ernest) Grigson, 43400, was a Serjeant in the 10th battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers (formerly 5854 of the London Regiment). He died of wounds on 1st April 1918, and is buried at St Sever Cemetery Extension, Rouen in France.

He was born in London, enlisted in Camberwell, and lived at Peckham.

Grounsell, F. C.  
Frederick C. Grounsell, 910213, was a Bombardier in the 215th battery of the Royal Field Artillery. He died on 31st May 1919, when he was 24. He is commemorated on the Kirkee 1914-1918 Memorial, India.

His parents were George and Rebecca Grounsell, from "Belmont", Lower Road, River, Dover. In 1901 the family were living at 9 Victoria Street, Dover, where Mr Grounsell was working as a bricklayer's labourer. There were then four children, Grace and Frederick, both born in Lambeth, and Harold and Hetty, both born in Dover. By 1911 the family had moved to The Gables, Lower Road, River, Dover. Another daughter, Amy, had been born, and Mr Grounsell was working as a labourer at the gas works. Frederick was aged 16 and working in the coal trade. 

above right, plaque at River church. It reads: "Sacred to the Memory of Bomb'r Frederick George Grounsell, 222nd Brigade RFA, who died at Deolali, India, May 30th 1919. This tablet was erected by his comrades".


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